Top 20 Semiconductor Giants in the World

According to the "SEMICONDUCTORS 20 2022" ranking released by Brand Finance, an English brand evaluation agency, Intel, TSMC, and NVIDIA rank in the top three. Based on the total value of the top 20 semiconductor brands of US$134.9 billion, here are brief introductions to these 20 semiconductor giants:

1、Intel --USA

Brand Value: US$25.612 billion

Semiconductor Status: Intel is a world leader in the semiconductor industry and computing innovation, founded in 1968. Today, Intel is transforming into a data-centric company. Together with its partners, Intel drives the innovation and application breakthroughs of transformational technologies such as artificial intelligence, 5G, and intelligent edge, powering the intelligently connected world.

In 1968, Intel Corporation was founded with Robert Noyce as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Gordon Moore as the Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Andy Grove joining later. In 1971, Intel introduced the world's first commercial computer microprocessor, the 4004. In 1981, the Intel 8088 processor powered the world's first personal computing device. In 2001, Intel launched the Xeon processor brand for data centers, laying a solid foundation for the digital world.

Founded in Silicon Valley, USA, in 1968 by Robert Noyce, Gordon Moore, and Andy Grove, Intel has established a leading global position in chip innovation, technology development, products, and platforms through nearly 50 years of development.

2、 TSMC TW China

Brand Value: US$20.474 billion

Semiconductor Status: TSMC is the world's first dedicated integrated circuit manufacturing service (wafer foundry) company and a leading semiconductor manufacturing firm. Established in 1987, its headquarters and main factories are located in the Hsinchu Science Park, Taiwan, China. On August 26, 2020, Luo Zhenqiu, General Manager of TSMC (Nanjing) Co., Ltd., announced at the 2020 World Semiconductor Conference that TSMC's 5-nanometer products had entered mass production, and its 3-nanometer products would be available in 2021, with mass production scheduled for 2022.

On October 26, 2021, TSMC announced the launch of its N4P process technology. Historically, in 1987, Morris Chang founded TSMC, which was initially viewed with skepticism. However, Chang recognized a significant business opportunity. At that time, semiconductor companies worldwide followed a similar business model: giants like Intel and Samsung designed their own chips, produced them in their own fabs, and completed chip testing and packaging themselves - a comprehensive and unmatched approach. Chang pioneered the foundry model, stating, "My company does not produce its own products; it only manufactures products for semiconductor design companies." This was an unimaginable concept at the time since there were no independent semiconductor design companies. As of March 20, 2017, TSMC surpassed Intel to become the world's largest semiconductor company by market capitalization.

At the 2020 World Semiconductor Conference, Luo Zhenqiu stated that TSMC's 5-nanometer products were in mass production and that 3-nanometer products would be available in 2021, followed by mass production in 2022. Luo added that there were no significant issues in the research and development of TSMC's 3-nanometer, 2-nanometer, and 1-nanometer products. Specifically, the 3-nanometer products offer a 10%-15% performance improvement and a 25%-30% reduction in power consumption.

In May 2021, TSMC announced two significant developments: firstly, it officially joined the Semiconductor Alliance, despite already being a global leader in chip manufacturing technology. Secondly, the company made considerable progress in 1-nanometer chip technology.

3、Nvidia--USA

Brand Value: 16.1 billion USD

Semiconductor Status: NVIDIA is a leading manufacturer in the global graphics technology and digital media processor industry. Founded in January 1993, NVIDIA (Chinese name: Yingda), is a fabless IC semiconductor company that specializes in designing intelligent core chipsets. NVIDIA's headquarters are located in Santa Clara, California, USA. The company possesses advanced expertise in programmable graphics processors and has achieved numerous breakthroughs in parallel processing.

NVIDIA is the world's first semiconductor company capable of providing a complete set of cinema-quality shaded 3D graphics solutions suitable for both work and entertainment applications, while supporting multiple operating systems simultaneously. Its GeForce series of graphics chips (GPUs) offer exceptional 3D, 2D, and high-definition television performance for entertainment and gaming applications, while meeting the high-speed performance, sharp visual effects, and crystal-clear clarity demanded by corporate users. GeForce has become the preferred brand for leading PC manufacturers and graphics card producers worldwide.

It's worth mentioning that in May 2018, NVIDIA ranked first among the top 15 artificial intelligence (AI) chip companies globally.

4、SK Hynix --Korea

Brand Value: US$9.361 billion

Semiconductor Status: Hynix is a South Korean chip manufacturer, originating from the English abbreviation "HY" of a South Korean brand. Hynix was formerly known as Hyundai Memory, and was renamed Hynix in 2001. Hynix Semiconductor is the world's third-largest DRAM manufacturer and ranks ninth among all semiconductor companies.

On September 5, 2019, the semiconductor factory of SK Hynix located in Wuxi, China, has completely replaced Japanese products with hydrogen fluoride produced in China. It is worth mentioning that based on superb technology and continuous research investment, Hynix Semiconductor is opening up new areas of semiconductor technology that have entered the field of nano-scale ultrafine technology every year.

5、Qualcomm----USA

Brand Value: 7.774 billion USD

Semiconductor Status: Qualcomm, founded in 1985, is headquartered in San Diego, California, USA. As a leading global innovator in wireless technology, Qualcomm has revolutionized the way the world connects, computes, and communicates. By connecting mobile phones to the internet, Qualcomm's inventions ushered in the era of mobile internet. Qualcomm's fundamental technologies have empowered the entire mobile ecosystem, and its inventions can be found in every 3G, 4G, and 5G smartphone.

Qualcomm is a leading company in global 3G, 4G, and 5G technology research and development, and has licensed its technologies to manufacturers worldwide, involving all brands of telecommunications equipment and consumer electronics in the world. In December 2018, the World Brand Lab released the "2018 World's 500 Most Influential Brands" list, ranking Qualcomm 392nd. In 2019, Qualcomm ranked 32nd on the Forbes Global Digital Economy 100 list. In Fortune's 2019 list of "Companies That Change the World," Qualcomm ranked first for its significant contributions to the development of wireless technology and its promotion of 5G. Qualcomm was also named one of the "Most Innovative Companies in the World in 2020" by Fast Company. Since 2016, Qualcomm China has been awarded the title of "Most Respected Enterprise in China" for four consecutive years.

6、Broadcom---USA

Brand Value: $6.368 billion

Semiconductor Status: Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, specializing in wired and wireless communication semiconductors. In 2003, Broadcom launched the world's first 802.11b single-chip solution and became a supplier of WLAN chipsets for Nintendo Wii gaming consoles.

Broadcom holds over 2,000 U.S. patents and more than 800 foreign patents. It was once the world's largest WLAN chip manufacturer. Broadcom Corporation is a leading global provider of wired and wireless communication semiconductors. Broadcom offers the industry's broadest and most advanced portfolio of system-on-a-chip and software solutions for manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, as well as mobile devices.

7、Micron Technology----USA

Brand Value: US$6.33 billion

Semiconductor Status: Micron is one of the world's largest manufacturers of semiconductor memory and imaging products, with its main products including DRAM, NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, SSD solid-state drives, and CMOS image sensors. The company's headquarters, Micron Technology, Inc., is located in Boise, the capital of Idaho in the northwestern United States. In 2020, Micron ranked 371st on the list of the world's 500 most valuable brands.

8、AMD----USA

Brand Value: US$6.053 billion

Semiconductor Status: Chips and software from the renowned American company AMD have become indispensable elements of the global digital economy, just like steel and plastic in traditional industries. Technology companies have become global leaders. AMD, founded in 1969, specializes in designing and manufacturing innovative microprocessors (CPUs, GPUs, motherboard chipsets, TV card chips, etc.) and providing flash memory and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications, and consumer electronics industries. AMD's business in China has achieved rapid development, not only expanding its cooperation with leading global computer manufacturers such as Dell, HP, IBM, Sun, Toshiba, Sony, etc. to the Chinese market, but also gaining the welcome of major OEM manufacturers such as Lenovo, Founder, Tongfang, TCL, Hedy, ASUS, Acer, MSI, BenQ, and Sugon.

9、ASML-----Netherland

Brand Value: US$5.944 billion

Semiconductor Status: ASML, with its Chinese name being阿斯麦(in Mainland China), is one of the world's largest semiconductor equipment manufacturers headquartered in Veldhoven, Netherlands. It provides leading comprehensive key equipment to complex integrated circuit manufacturers worldwide. ASML's stocks are listed in Amsterdam and New York respectively. ASML offers lithography machines and related services to semiconductor manufacturers, and its TWINSCAN series is currently the most accurate, efficient, and widely used high-end lithography model in the world.

Most semiconductor manufacturers worldwide purchase TWINSCAN models from ASML, such as Intel, Samsung, Hynix, TSMC, SMIC, and more.

ASML's product lines are divided into the PAS series, AT series, XT series, and NXT series. Among them, the PAS series uses a high-pressure mercury lamp light source and is now discontinued, while the AT series belongs to older models and most of them have also been discontinued. The main models on the market are the XT series and NXT series, which use ArF and KrF laser light sources. The XT series is a mature model available in both dry and immersion versions, while the NXT series is the currently promoted high-end model, all of which are immersion type.

There are three companies that provide commercially available lithography machines in the global market: ASML, Nikon, and Canon. In the high-end lithography machine market, ASML once held approximately 60% market share. In the most high-end market (such as immersion lithography machines), ASML holds approximately 80% market share. In October 2012, ASML announced the acquisition of Cymer, Inc., a leading U.S. provider of excimer laser sources, to accelerate the development of EUV technology. Cymer invented the deep ultraviolet (DUV) light sources required for the most critical lithography technology in semiconductor manufacturing today. The main features of Cymer's products are narrow bandwidth, high operating speed, and strong reliability. Cymer light sources play a decisive role in the mass production of the world's most advanced semiconductor chips that meet specific specifications.

10、Texas Instruments----USA

Brand Value: US$4.353 billion

Semiconductor Status: Texas Instruments is a multinational semiconductor company based in Texas, USA, known for developing, manufacturing, and selling semiconductors and computer technology. It mainly focuses on research, manufacturing, and sales of innovative digital signal processing and analog circuit solutions. In addition to its semiconductor business, Texas Instruments also provides solutions including sensing and control, educational products, and digital light processing. As the world's leading manufacturer of digital signal processors (DSP) and analog circuit components, Texas Instruments holds a dominant position in analog and digital signal processing technology globally.

Semiconductor products account for approximately 85% of Texas Instruments' revenue. The company holds leading positions in various product areas, including digital signal processors, digital-to-analog converters, analog-to-digital converters, power management, analog integrated circuits, and more. Wireless communication is also a focus area for Texas Instruments, with approximately 50% of mobile phones worldwide equipped with chips manufactured by the company. Additionally, it produces application-specific integrated circuits and microcontrollers. Jack Kilby, working in the central research laboratory, developed the world's first integrated circuit in 1958. In 2008, Texas Instruments established a laboratory named after Kilby to research innovative thinking in semiconductor technology.

11、Infineon Technologies-----Germany

Brand Value: US$4.1 billion

Semiconductor Status: Infineon Technologies AG was officially established in Munich, Germany, on April 1, 1999, and is one of the world's leading semiconductor companies. It was formerly the semiconductor division of Siemens AG and became independent in 1999. Headquartered in Neubiberg, Germany, Infineon Technologies AG provides semiconductor and system solutions for the three major technological challenges of modern society: energy efficiency, mobility, and security.

Infineon offers semiconductor and system solutions for automotive and industrial power devices, chip cards, and security applications. Infineon products are known for their high reliability, excellent quality, and innovation, and the company has cutting-edge technology in analog and mixed-signal, radio frequency, power, and embedded control devices. Infineon's back-end manufacturing plant in Wuxi produces advanced chip products for the Chinese market and other global markets. As one of the world's leading semiconductor companies, Infineon invests an average of 17% of its annual sales in research and development and holds 41,000 patents worldwide.

12、MediaTek------TW China

Brand Value: US$4 billion

Semiconductor Status: MediaTek is the world's only IC design company that spans across the fields of information technology (IT), consumer electronics, and wireless communications. It is also one of the top 10 IC design companies globally and the largest in Asia. MediaTek Inc. is a global fabless semiconductor company that holds a leading position in markets such as smart mobile devices, smart home applications, wireless connectivity technology, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Approximately 1.5 billion end products equipped with MediaTek chips are launched worldwide each year. As a renowned IC design manufacturer, MediaTek specializes in technical fields such as wireless communications and digital multimedia. It provides chip-integrated system solutions, including wireless communications, high-definition digital TVs, optical storage, DVDs, and Blu-ray related products.

MediaTek was established in 1997. On March 16, 2016, MediaTek announced the mass production of its Helio X20, a tri-cluster deca-core chip, marking the world's first 10-core chip. On September 27, 2016, MediaTek unveiled the world's first 10-nanometer chip, the Helio X30, demonstrating its leadership in 10nm chip technology.

13、 Lam Research----USA

Brand Value: US$2.9 billion

Semiconductor Status: A leading global manufacturer of semiconductor equipment. Lam Research is an American company engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing, and servicing of semiconductor processing equipment used in the fabrication of integrated circuits. The company's products are primarily used in front-end wafer processing, involving semiconductor devices with active components (transistors, capacitors) and wiring (interconnects).

Lam Research designs and builds semiconductor manufacturing equipment, including thin-film deposition, plasma etching, photoresist stripping, and wafer cleaning processes. These technologies contribute to the creation of transistors, interconnects, advanced memory, and packaging structures throughout the semiconductor manufacturing process. They are also used in related markets such as micro-electromechanical systems and light-emitting diodes.

14、 ASE Technology---TW China

Brand Value: US$2.8 billion

Semiconductor Status: A leading global provider of chip packaging and testing services. The ASE Group is one of the world's largest semiconductor manufacturing service companies, providing optimal services and cutting-edge technologies to global clients for a long time. Since its establishment in 1984, the company has specialized in offering comprehensive packaging and testing services to semiconductor customers, including front-end chip testing, wafer probing, as well as back-end packaging, materials, and finished product testing. Additionally, customers can leverage Universal Scientific Industrial (USI), a subsidiary of the ASE Group, to obtain comprehensive electronic manufacturing service solutions.

15、 Tokyo Electron----Japan

Brand Value: US$2.5 billion

Semiconductor Status: Tokyo Electron is the largest semiconductor manufacturing equipment supplier in Japan and the third largest in the world. It is primarily engaged in the research, development, and production of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and flat panel display manufacturing equipment. Tokyo Electron's total revenue, operating profit, and net profit have reached historic highs, making it a well-deserved star in the Japanese semiconductor industry.

Tokyo Electron's products cover almost all processes in the semiconductor manufacturing flow. Its main products include coating/developing equipment, thermal processing and film formation equipment, dry etching equipment, CVD, wet cleaning equipment, and testing equipment.

Tokyo Electron's coating equipment has a global market share of 87%. Additionally, in FPD manufacturing equipment, its etching machine market share reaches 71%. Other equipment also holds a significant market share. Tokyo Electron's revenue from semiconductor manufacturing equipment once ranked first globally (according to VLSI Research data) and remained in the top position for three consecutive years, solidifying its leading position in the field of semiconductor manufacturing equipment worldwide.

16、 Murata Manufacturing---Japan

Brand Value: US$2.2 billion

Semiconductor Status: Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. is a leading global manufacturer of electronic components. Its customers are distributed in various fields such as PC, mobile phones, and automotive electronics. The company was founded in October 1944 and officially renamed Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. in December 1950. The founder was Murata Akira, and its main product is ceramic capacitors, which rank first in the world. Murata Manufacturing also holds leading positions in other component products such as ceramic filters, high-frequency components, and sensors. Murata Manufacturing's market share for its main products, ceramic filters, and oscillators, is 65-70%, while its market share for vibration sensors is 90%, making it a dominant player in this field.

17、 ST Microelectronics—Switzerland

Brand Value: US$2.1 billion

Semiconductor Status: STMicroelectronics is the world's largest manufacturer of dedicated analog chips and power conversion chips, as well as the leading supplier of industrial semiconductors and set-top box chips. Additionally, it holds a prominent position in discrete devices, mobile camera modules, and automotive integrated circuits. As the fifth largest semiconductor manufacturer globally, STMicroelectronics maintains a leading position in many markets. The STMicroelectronics (ST) Group was established in 1987 through the merger of Italy's SGS Microelectronics and France's Thomson Semiconductor. In May 1998, SGS-THOMSON Microelectronics changed its name to STMicroelectronics. Today, STMicroelectronics is recognized as one of the largest semiconductor companies in the world.

STMicroelectronics boasts one of the strongest product portfolios, encompassing both highly specialized products with significant intellectual property content and innovative products across multiple fields, such as discrete devices, high-performance microcontrollers, secure smart card chips, and MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) devices. In demanding applications like mobile multimedia, set-top boxes, and computer peripherals, STMicroelectronics is a pioneer in developing complex ICs using a platform-based design approach. System-on-Chip (SoC) projects for global strategic customers often designate STMicroelectronics as the preferred partner.

STMicroelectronics operates a vast global manufacturing network for both front-end (wafer fabrication) and back-end (assembly, packaging, and testing) processes.

18、 NXP---Neverland

Brand Value: US$2 billion

Semiconductor Status: NXP Semiconductors, a top ten global semiconductor company, was established in 2006 and previously founded by Philips over 50 years ago. NXP's product technologies and solutions are applied in five market areas: automotive electronics, smart identification, home entertainment, mobile phones and personal mobile communications, as well as semiconductors for multiple markets, thereby establishing its leadership position in each of these markets.

NXP is the industry's largest manufacturer of 5V CMOS logic products in the automotive electronics industry, the leading supplier of in-vehicle networking solutions, and the top provider of digital signal processors for automotive audio. Additionally, NXP holds a leading position in solutions for automotive anti-theft and remote keyless entry systems. The company is the second largest supplier of ASSPs for all automotive electronic applications, with its anti-theft technology being used in one out of every two cars. NXP is also one of the industry's most extensive suppliers of semiconductors for multiple markets. Separately, NXP Software operates as a fully independent company and is a leading provider of software solutions that enhance video and audio quality in mobile phones.

19、 KLA----USA

Brand Value: US$2 billion

Semiconductor Status: As a leading global electronics equipment company, KLA-Tencor was founded in 1997 through the merger of KLA Instruments and Tencor Instruments, with its headquarters located in Milpitas, California, USA. The company mainly provides solutions for front-end process control and yield management for the semiconductor, data storage, LED, and other related nanoelectronics industries.

Since its establishment, KLA-Tencor has been deeply involved in the semiconductor front-end metrology and inspection equipment industry. Currently, its product range covers various front-end optical and electron beam metrology and inspection equipment for processing technology. With the efficient and precise performance characteristics of its inspection products, KLA-Tencor holds an absolute leading position in the industry with a 52% market share. Major IDM/Foundry companies such as Samsung Electronics, TSMC, Intel, Hynix, UMC, Hua Hong, SMIC, Toshiba, and Micron are all important customers of the company.

20、 Arrow Electronics----USA

Brand Value: US$2 billion

Semiconductor Status: Arrow Electronics is a leading distributor of professional electronic components and computer products, serving a wide range of global consumer and commercial customers. Headquartered in Melville, New York, the company leverages its presence in 53 countries worldwide, with over 340 sales locations and more than 800 original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), to fully satisfy the needs of different types of customers. As of now, Arrow Electronics boasts a global customer base of up to 130,000, including top-tier EMS and OEM manufacturers. Arrow Electronics Asia Pacific, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Arrow Electronics, operates 54 sales offices, 4 major distribution centers, and 14 regional warehouses across 13 countries and regions in Asia.